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JUSTIN ROTH
From an early age, singer/songwriter Justin Roth stood out as a musician. A very determined and independent child, in the 3rd grade he declined an invitation to sing with the St. Croix Valley Boys Choir because he did not want to miss Saturday morning cartoons. Since then, he has put that dedication to cartoons behind him and applied it to music. We can all be glad for that. As his audience has grown, Justin has shared the stage with many artists including: David Wilcox, Martin Sexton, Ellis Paul, Shawn Colvin, John Gorka among others. After receiving a standing ovation at Swallow Hill Music Hall in Denver, CO while opening for Cheryl Wheeler and receiving an encore at Big Top Chautauqua in Bayfield, WI while opening for David Wilcox, Justin keeps winning audiences’ approval. Repeat performances are a common occurrence, returning time and time again by request of not only the fans, but also the venues themselves.
"Justin Roth was a smash when he opened at The Ark for John Gorka last fall, selling out a big stack of CDs and nearly stealing the show." Blending intricate guitar work, smooth vocal melodies and a groove, Justin offers up a rousing potpourri of new acoustic folk. Knowing that he stands on shoulders of those who came before him, he’s been compared to the likes of Michael Hedges, David Wilcox, Martin Sexton and Willy Porter. A fan once said that when Justin plays guitar, “it’s more than just an instrument but an extension of himself.” Seeing him perform, you see what they mean. Take an eye off him for a second, and you would swear that there were more instruments on stage.
"Fans of Leo Kottke or Michael Hedges will find themselves right at home with the intricate guitar work...beautifully written lyrics." As a self-taught fingerstyle guitarist, Justin’s inventive technique leaves people asking themselves ‘how’d he do that?’ as he expresses a new voice of the guitar.This voice is what creates his unique and engaging sound. His songwriting style is an artful mix ranging from insightful metaphors, to clever stories with a twisted sense of humor, to the familiar imagery of the world around us. From time to time, you'll also catch him accompanying himself or backing up other artists on percussion such as LJ Booth, Tom Prasada-Rao or Chris Cunningham.
"One of the best singer/songwriter/guitarists I've heard in ages...Justin Roth is a flat out talent. Roth rivals a young Willy Porter...His vocal delivery is smooth. His guitar playing is extraordinary."
2006 NewSong Honorable Mention - Mountain Stage NewSong Contest Seeing Justin perform live, you better be prepared to write your own song too. He is well known for involving his audiences by having them write their own song during his set. After having the audience pick subjects to write the song about, a piece of paper is passed around the room for each person to write a line to the song. When the lyrics are completed, the audience votes between two guitar parts made up on the spot and then the lyrics and music are improvised into a full song at the end of the show! Justin is a featured artist with Peppermint Records, a distributor of independent singer/songwriters including: Peter Mayer, Billy McLaughlin, Edie Carey, Brenda Weiler and others. Justin has released three solo albums, “Shine" (2003), “In Between” (2000) and “Up Until Now” (1997). He also has four original compositions featured on the compilation “Lifescapes - Solo Guitar“ (2000), produced by Billy McLaughlin exclusively for Target stores. Justin also performs in a duo called 2 Forms of ID, with fellow Peppermint artist Chris Cunningham, and they have released a live CD called "2 forms of ID” (2000). The total combined sales of all albums exceed 55,000 units. Justin attended the University of Minnesota-Duluth graduating with a degree in Performing Arts Management with a minor in music. Although originally from Minnesota, Justin is almost more at home on the road. He spends about 5 months a year touring and performs over 130 shows a year at colleges, coffeehouses, clubs, churches and house venues throughout the country. His touring continues to get more and more extensive each year and now covers ground coast to coast. On this never-ending endeavor, he shows no sign of slowing down. Watch for him coming to your area soon...
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